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I read all parts of a book. That’s right — the prologue, the afterword, even the copyright page 😉 . I also read epigraphs — any quotes that the author chooses to begin the story. Many authors choose scripture or a quote that gives some insight into what their book is all about. I like to keep them in mind as I delve into the stories. Today I am sharing those quotes from random books on my shelves. In the cases of the author using several quotes, I randomly chose just one. Lots of genres represented — enjoy!
For more bookish quotes, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.
Top Epigraphs — Quotes That Authors Chose to Begin Their Stories
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Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven, and he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven. Man ate of the bread of angels.
Psalm 78:23-25
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I speak of peace, while covert enmity
Under the smile of safety wounds the world
William Shakespeare, King Henry IV, Part 2
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“I once was lost, but now I am found, was blind, but now I see.”
John Newton
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I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
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Love is not consolation. It is light.
Simone Weil
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Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Psalm 82:3-4
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Loose yourself from the chains around your neck, O captive daughter of Zion.
Isaiah 52:2
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For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
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There’s a bit of magic in everything
And then some loss to even things out.
Lou Reed
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It is necessity and not pleasure that compels us.
Dante, The Inferno
These are some powerful epigraphs. If you start out a story with one of these, you are promising a great story.
What a great take on this week’s topic!
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thank you!
I love the last one the most!
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-humorous-quotes-from-books/
I love when authors have a quote in the beginning of their book.
Lauren @ http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
I love this idea!! Great quotes. I read most things in the book, and usually glace at the copyright page 😉
love this list – thank you for posting
Other than the copyright page (unless I need to know what year a book was published), I also read every part of a book. Epigraphs often offer great insight, not just into the story to come, but into life itself. These are some great scriptures and thoughts. Nice picks!
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com